Preaction sprinkler valve assemblies, related dry sprinkler devices and fire protection sprinkler systems

ABSTRACT

A thermal trigger assembly for remote mechanical actuation of another fire protection system component includes an activation component having a base and a movable member. A bias member biases the movable member from a preactivation to an activated position with respect to the base. A thermally responsive element retains the movable member in the preactivation position until a predetermined thermodynamic condition is reached, when the thermally responsive element loses structural integrity. A flexible connector includes a flexible hollow outer cable housing with one end configured to be stationarily (preferably fixedly) connected with the base. A flexible cable is inside the outer cable housing for sliding movement therein and has one end configured to be stationarily (preferably fixedly) connected with the movable member. The flexible cable is moved with respect to the outer cable housing by movement of the movable member upon loss of structural integrity by the thermally responsive element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/853,208 filed Apr. 20, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/790,321 filed Oct. 23, 2017 (now U.S. Pat. No.10,653,908), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/222,770 filed Jul. 28, 2016 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,901,763), whichclaims the benefit of priority under 35 USC § 119(e) of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Applications No. 62/304,585 filed Mar. 7, 2016; No. 62/267,445filed Dec. 15, 2015; No. 62/198,428 filed Jul. 29, 2015; and No.62/197,927 filed Jul. 28, 2015. The contents of all of the applicationslisted in this paragraph are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to fire protection, and, moreparticularly, to activation components for fire protection systems, andvalves for use in fire protection systems.

Fire sprinkler system installation and operation are subject tonationally recognized codes.

As is aptly pointed out in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2013/0199803, dry sprinklers are used in areas that are or may beexposed to freezing conditions, such as in freezers, unheated internalareas, walkways, etc. In typical dry-pipe systems, supply conduits runin a space where the water in the supply conduit is not subject tofreezing. A dry sprinkler is attached to such supply conduit and extendsinto a space where the water would otherwise be subject to freezing.

As Publication No. 2013/0199803 further points out, the typicalconstruction of a dry sprinkler comprises a tube (“drop”) with a pipeconnector at the inlet end of the tube (for connecting the inlet end tothe supply pipe network of the fire suppression system), a seal memberat the inlet end to prevent water from entering the tube, and amechanism to maintain the seal at the inlet end until the sprinkler isactivated. Typically, a nozzle with an outlet and a deflector isattached to the opposite, outlet end of the tube. Also, the tube issometimes vented to the atmosphere to allow drainage of any condensationthat may form in the tube. Such dry sprinklers are disclosed, forexample, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,431. As shown generally in that patent,the actuating mechanism can include a rod or other similar rigidstructure that extends through the tube between the nozzle end and theinlet end to maintain a seal at the inlet end. The actuating mechanismfurther may include a thermally responsive element that supports the rodor the like at the nozzle end and thereby supports the seal at the inletend. Alternatively, the tube is also sealed at the nozzle end of thetube, and the rod is supported at the nozzle end by the seal memberwhich is itself supported by the thermally responsive support element.In such arrangements, the space in the tube between the two seal memberscan be pressurized with a gas, such as dry air or nitrogen, or filledwith a liquid such as an antifreeze solution. When an elevatedtemperature is experienced, the thermally responsive support elementfails, thereby allowing the rod to move releasing the inlet end seal(and also any outlet seal at the nozzle end of the tube) to allow waterfrom the supply conduit to flow into and through the tube to the nozzle.

The rigid tube or “drop” portion of such conventional dry sprinklers ofthe type in U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,431 extends with the nozzle into theunheated area from a wet branch line (located in a heated area) and mustbe precisely aligned and installed while avoiding various architectural,structural, and mechanical obstructions typically found in commercial orindustrial buildings. The installer has to first install wet main andbranch supply line piping for a sprinkler system and then measure asuitable length for each dry sprinkler from the branch line to thedesired height of the nozzle with respect to a ceiling or the like, asthe spacing between the branch and the ceiling or desired position ofthe nozzle is generally not some accurately predetermined distance.Because the actuation rod has to extend between the inlet seal and thenozzle outlet seal or other support at the outlet end, each drysprinkler like that in U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,431 is custom made for agiven length. An installer will order dry sprinklers for theinstallation according to the lengths that are measured to within afraction (i.e. ⅛) of an inch. Delivery typically takes a minimum ofseven to ten business days and, depending upon backlog, can take weeks.This delays installation and completion of construction projects. Longerdelays occur if mistakes are made in measuring or fabricating thesprinklers or the sprinklers are damaged in transit and replacementsprinklers required, further delaying completion of the installation.

Some manufacturers have addressed installation difficulties at least byproviding dry sprinklers with an integral “flexible” drop tube. U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0199803 discloses such a “dry”sprinkler. Here, a seal 4 at the inlet end of the drop tube 1 is held inplace by pressurized fluid between the seal 4 and a seal 12 at theoutlet end of the tube at the sprinkler head. While this arrangementprovides some flexibility with respect to installation and fabricationby the installer and manufacturer, it leaves the end user with acomplicated pressure regulation system to maintain to assure thatpressure in the flexible tube is held at an adequate level to preventwater leakage through the inlet end seal from the branch supply line.

A different type of dry sprinkler 12 with a flexible drop 14 isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,887,822. A flexible link 56 is passedthrough the center of the integral flexible drop 14 between a pivotingvalve member such as a clapper 44 and a plug 24 held in the sprinkleroutlet of the nozzle 20 by a fusible element 22. The link 56 issufficiently flexible so as to conform to bending of the flexible drop14. Activation of the sprinkler by disintegration of the fusible element22 at the orifice 22 releases the plug 24 and a spring 66 that pulls onone end of the link to remove an opposing end of the link positioned insomething called an “X brace valve latch” 54 holding the clapper 44closed. This sprinkler can be pressurized with appropriate fluid oropened to atmosphere through vent holes 98. However, what is notexplained is what assures that the latch 54 will be cleanly released asit must slide through the elbow without twisting and remove itself fromthe path of the clapper 44. Also, internal braces 64 have to be providedat any significant bend of the tube 14 or there is a danger that theflexible link 56 will be allowed to go sufficiently slack so as not tobe pulled from the latch when the thermally response element triggers.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0319696 discloses anotherdry sprinkler 100 with an integral flexible drop tube 3 connecting athreaded inlet 1 and an opposing outlet 2. This is an alternativearrangement to assure that a flexible link 10 extending between an inletvalve assembly 13 and an outlet plug 53 does not go slack from bends inthe tube, regardless of where the bends in the tube are located. Thesprinkler 100 is activated by collapse of the frangible element 56retaining the plug 53 and spacer 45, permitting the spacer 45 to moveand pull the link 10, which mechanically fractures the bulb 11 at theinlet end by twisting a collar 36 on the bulb 11. In the one examplegiven in para. 38, approximately one-half inch of slack can be taken upby the arrangement.

Because of their designs, dry sprinklers must be fabricated to within afraction of an inch of their installed length, even with flexible tubes.Even the dry sprinkler disclosed in U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2013/0319696 allows only a larger fraction of an inch leeway thanthe other, previously identified dry sprinklers. As a result, all mustbe ordered from and fabricated by a manufacturer, at great expense andtime to the installer and end purchaser compared with wet sprinklersystem installations.

Although U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0298383 describesthe provision of dry sprinklers with flexible tubes (also known asflexible drops) and weep holes, in practice all or nearly allcommercially available, flexible tube equipped dry sprinklers areprovided with a relatively long flexible tube having an equally longinner tube that keeps the seal assembly closed. Under pressure, there isdeformation in the flexible tube, and there have been issues withleakage if the flexible tube is used by itself without an inner tube.

Another disadvantage of the flexible drop is that it requires a bracketthat has to be connected to the ceiling, so there may be limits to thetype of ceiling and structure where it can be installed.

It would revolutionize the fire protection industry for installers to beable to fabricate and install on site, a dry sprinkler equivalent to awet sprinkler system, without employing custom measured and factorybuilt dry sprinkler assemblies.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, athermal trigger assembly is configured for remote mechanical actuationof another fire protection system component. The thermal triggerassembly includes an activation component having a base and a movablemember that is movable with respect to the base. A bias member islocated with respect to the base to bias the movable member from apreactivation position with respect to the base to an activated positionwith respect to the base. A thermally responsive element retains themovable member in the preactivation position only until a predeterminedthermodynamic condition is reached. The thermally responsive element isconfigured to lose structural integrity under the predeterminedthermodynamic condition. A flexible connector includes at least aflexible hollow outer cable housing with a first end and a second end,the second end configured to be stationarily connected with the base ofthe activation component. A flexible cable is slidably located insidethe flexible hollow outer cable housing for only sliding movement withinthe other cable housing and has a first end and a second end, with thesecond end being configured to be stationarily connected with themovable member of the activation component. The flexible cable is movedwith respect to the flexible hollow outer cable housing by movement ofthe movable member with loss of structural integrity by the thermallysensitive member at the predetermined thermodynamic condition.

In another aspect, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, adry sprinkler device includes a valve. The valve has a body with aninlet, at least one outlet, and a fluid passageway connecting the inletwith each outlet. A seal member is supportable across the passageway toclose the passageway by a pivotally mounted lever. The seal member issupported across the passageway in a sealing position by a latchreleasably engaged with the lever. An activation component includes abase and a movable member that is movable with respect to the base. Abias member is located with respect to the base to bias the movablemember from a preactivation position with respect to the base to anactivated position with respect to the base. A thermally responsiveelement retains the movable member in the preactivation position onlyuntil a predetermined thermodynamic condition is reached. The thermallyresponsive element is configured to lose structural integrity under thepredetermined thermodynamic condition. A flexible connector includes atleast a flexible hollow outer cable housing having a first end connectedwith the body and a second end connected with the base of the activationcomponent. A flexible cable is located inside the flexible hollow outercable housing and sized for only sliding movement within the outer cablehousing. The flexible cable has a first end configured to bemechanically connected with the latch and a second end engaged with themovable member of the activation component to move with the movablemember. At least one water distribution device is fluidly coupled withthe at least one outlet.

In another aspect, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is amethod of providing a dry sprinkler device. The method includesconnecting an inlet of a valve to a branch water line. The method alsoincludes mechanically connecting an activation component having athermally responsive element to the valve with a Bowden cable so as toopen the valve in response to a loss of physical integrity of thethermally responsive element. The method also includes fluidlyconnecting a water distribution device to an outlet of the valve tospray water received from the valve.

In another aspect, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is amethod of installing a dry sprinkler device. The dry sprinkler deviceincludes a valve, an activation component with a thermally responsiveelement, and a flexible Bowden cable. The Bowden cable mechanicallycouples the activation component with the valve so as to open the valvein response to a loss of physical integrity of the thermally responsiveelement. The method includes fluidly coupling an inlet of the valve witha water supply line. The method also includes installing a waterdistribution device at a location spaced apart from the valve. Themethod also includes connecting the device with an outlet of the valvethrough intermediate piping. The method also includes installing theactivation component at a location spaced apart from the valve. Thevalve is operatively connected with the activation component through theBowden cable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofpreferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood whenread in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodimentswhich are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, thatthe invention is not limited to the precise arrangements andinstrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a thermal trigger assembly of thepresent invention including an activation component connected withanother fire sprinkler system component via a flexible connector inaccordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of an activation component of a triggerassembly connected with another fire sprinkler system component, avalve, via a flexible connector of the assembly in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the invention, to provide a preaction valveassembly;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional elevation diagrammatic view of the FIG. 2assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,shown prior to activation of the device;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional elevation diagrammatic view of the assemblyof FIGS. 2 and 3A, following activation of the assembly;

FIG. 4 is a perspective diagrammatic view of a second embodiment valvecomponent of a preaction sprinkler valve assembly in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional elevation diagrammatic view of the valvecomponent of FIG. 4 before activation;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a lever-latch assembly mounted to aremovable cover of the valve component in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a is a side elevation diagrammatic view of a preaction valveassembly incorporating the second embodiment valve of FIGS. 4-6installed with a drop tube and a conventional sprinkler head to providea dry sprinkler device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective diagrammatic view of the preaction valveassembly of FIG. 7 connected simultaneously via a manifold with multiplesprinkler heads;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic sectioned view of a manifold connection of avalve component of the invention with multiple activation componentsthrough multiple flexible connectors in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 depicts back to back valve components of two preaction valveassemblies for added protection against inadvertent activations inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 depicts an activation component with a micro switch inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are perspective and elevational cross-section views of avalve component with two outlets in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a dry sprinkler device made with apreaction valve assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe invention;

FIGS. 15 and 16 are sectioned views of the valve component and flexibleconnector of FIG. 14 showing activation of the valve from a closed toopen configuration/state, respectively;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a valve component configured to connectwith multiple activation components for activation of the valve by anyof the latter in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention; and

FIGS. 18A and 18B depict an additional form of a dry sprinkler device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly and is not limiting. The words “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” “top,”“front,” “back,” and “rear” designate directions in the drawings towhich reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer todirections toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center ofthe component being discussed, and designated parts thereof, inaccordance with the present disclosure. Unless specifically set forthherein, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are not limited to one element,but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” The terminologyincludes the words noted above, derivatives thereof, and words ofsimilar import.

As shown in FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention,a thermal trigger assembly 10 is configured for remote mechanicalactuation of another fire protection system component 16. The thermaltrigger assembly 10 includes an activation component 12 and a flexibleconnector 14 configured to allow the activation component 12 to remotelymechanically actuate another fire protection system component 16, whichin some preferred embodiments (discussed below) is a valve fordischarging water into one or more sprinklers, a switch or a relayhaving a throw, a magnet (such as a Reed switch or relay) or anequivalent that can be mechanically moved or another type offire-protection system device actuatable by a mechanical input.

In another preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a thermal triggerassembly 10 includes an activation component 60 and a flexible connector50 configured for remote mechanical actuation of another fire protectionsystem component 20, which as depicted in FIG. 2 is a valve. Thiscombination in FIG. 2 provides a remotely, mechanically triggered or, aswill be seen, a preaction valve 18.

Details of a first preferred valve 20, a clapper type valve, and of theflexible connector 50 and activation component 60 of the thermal triggerassembly are shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The thermal trigger assembly 10includes an activation component 60 having a base 62 and a movablemember 64 that is movable with respect to the base 62. A bias member 66is located with respect to the base 62 to bias the movable member 64from a preactivation position, shown in FIG. 3A, with respect to thebase 62 to an activated position, shown in FIG. 3B, with respect to thebase 62. The bias member 66 is selected to generate a force overcomingthe bias of any opposing bias member—in this example, a bias member 42,discussed below—and to move a movable part, a latch 32 of the othercomponent, valve 20. A thermally responsive element 68 retains themovable member 64 in the preactivation position only until apredetermined thermodynamic condition is reached. The thermallyresponsive element 68 is configured to lose structural integrity underthe predetermined thermodynamic condition. A flexible connector 50includes at least a flexible hollow outer cable housing 52 with a firstend 52 a and a second end 52 b, the latter being at least beingconfigured to be at least stationarily connected with the base 62. Thebase 62 includes an upper, spacer portion 62 a from which extends asensing portion 62 b. The housing 62 may be one piece but mightconveniently be made of an assembly of joined parts. The flexibleconnector 50 includes a flexible inner member 54 with opposing first 54a and second 54 b ends. The first end 54 a of the flexible inner member54 is configured to be mechanically connected with and preferablyfixedly connected with the movable part, the latch 32 of valve 20, whilethe second, opposing, remaining end 54 b is configured to bemechanically and preferably fixedly connected with the movable member 64so as to move with movable member 64. The second end of the outer cover52 b is received in and preferably fixedly connected with the upper end62 c of the spacer portion 62 a. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the firstend 52 a of the flexible hollow outer cable housing 52 is configured forstationary and preferably fixed connection with the other fireprotection component 20 and preferably to the body 22 of clapper valve20.

Flexible connector 50 is preferably a Bowden cable in which inner member54 is slidably located inside the flexible hollow outer cable housing 52for only sliding movement within the outer cable housing 52. The phrase,only sliding movement, is meant to mean that the flexible inner member54 is sufficiently close fitting in the outer housing 52 that the innermember cannot buckle or meaningfully deflect within the outer housing 52so that there is no lost movement or essentially no lost movementbetween the ends of the inner member 54 within the outer housing 52. Theflexible inner member 54 is moved with respect to the flexible hollowouter cable housing 52 by movement of the movable member 64 with loss ofstructural integrity by the thermally responsive element 68 under thepredetermined thermodynamic condition. The thermally responsive element68 includes a wide range of devices known in the art, including alcohol-or other liquid-filled glass bulbs (as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B),fusible links (1168 in FIG. 14), and other solder-based links orassemblies which fail in response to being heated sufficiently to atleast a predetermined temperature, permitting movement to occur, andbi-metallic disks. The flexible inner member 54 may be a single flexiblewire or a flexible cable made from a bundle of wires. Hereinafter theflexible inner member may also be referred to as simply the flexiblecable.

In the example depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the member 64 of theactivation component 60 is slidably mounted on the sensing portion 62 bof the base 62. The sensing portion 62 b might be formed by a pair ofrods 63 extended between an intermediate transverse portion 62 d, whichmight be the bottom transverse wall of a cylinder forming the spacerportion and receiving a cap forming the upper end 62 c of the housingand supporting the rods 63 themselves supporting the bottom transverseportion 62 e. In a preactivation position of the device, the movablemember 64 is restrained by the thermally sensitive element 68. Thetransverse portions 62 d and 62 e provide the resistive support of thebias member 66 and thermally sensitive element 68, respectively.

As depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the other fire protection component 20is a clapper valve 20 according to a preferred embodiment of theinvention. The valve 20 has a body 22 with an inlet end 24 and an inlet25, an outlet end 26 with an outlet 27, and a fluid passageway 29between the inlet 25 and the outlet 27. The inlet end 24 has a groove 24a for connecting to a water supply. The outlet end 26 has a groove 26 afor connecting to a sprinkler head or other water distribution device orsystem. Other forms of connection, such as threaded connections, couldbe used at the inlet end 24, the outlet end 26, or both ends. Aremovable cover 23 provides access to the interior of the body 22 and isattached to the first end 52 a of the flexible hollow outer cablehousing 52. A seal member 28 supportable across the passageway 29 toclose the passageway 29 by a pivotally mounted lever 30 with a tang 30a. The seal member 28 is supported across the passageway 29 in a sealingposition by a latch 32 engaged with the tang 30 a of the lever 30. Ascrew 35 secures the seal member 28 to the lever 20. The flexible cable54 has a first end 54 a mechanically coupled with the latch 32 formovement of the latch 32 with respect to the lever 30 by movement of thefirst end 54 a of the flexible cable 54. The latch 32 pivots around alatch pivot 32 a, which is a pinned connection. Similarly, the lever 30pivots around a lever pivot 30 b, which is also a pinned connection. Thepressure of water at the inlet 25 forces the seal member 28 and thelever 30 back away from the inlet 25 and into the central chamber 40,permitting water to flow around past the lever 30 and the latch 32 andthrough the outlet 27.

FIGS. 4-6 depict a second embodiment of a valve component 120 of theinvention in the form of a poppet valve. The valve component 120 againincludes a body 122 with an inlet end 124 externally threaded to bereceived in a Tee in or a threaded pipe from a wet supply line and anoutlet end 126 internally threaded to receive an externally threadedlength of piping. A seal member 128 is supported in the inlet 125 by apivotally mounted lever 130 retained in a “closed” or “supporting”position by a pivotally mounted latch 132. An adjustment screw 134 canbe provided in the lever 130 to vary the mechanical compression providedon the seal member 128. Two parallel cross-members 136, 138 span anenlarged central chamber 140 of the body 122 and terminate in a pin 139received in a bore 122 a in an inner side wall of the body 122 distal toa removable cover 123. The cross members 136, 138 support pivots for thelever 130 and the latch 132. A hollow boss 129 formed between the crossmembers 136, 138 slidably receives the shaft portion 128 a of the sealmember 128. A first bias member, for example, a compressed coil spring142 biases the latch 132 into releasable engagement with the lever 130.The latch 132 is configured to be connected with an activation assemblyand flexible connector as previously described. The latch 132 pivotsaround a latch pivot 132 a, which is a pinned connection. Similarly, thelever 130 pivots around a lever pivot 130 b, which is also a pinnedconnection The latch 132 is adapted to connect with a first end of aflexible cable of a flexible connector, while a port 151 is provided inthe cover 123 for receiving a first end 152 a of an outer cable housing152 of the flexible connector. drop tube fabricated by the installer. InFIG. 6, a support subassembly 148 is shown removed from the valve body122. The lever 130 and the latch 132 are part of the subassembly 148pivotally supporting the lever 130 and the latch 132 and fixedlyconnected to a cover 123 removable from the valve body 122. Thesubassembly 148 includes the hollow boss 129 slidably receiving theshaft 128 a of the seal member 128. The lever 130 includes theadjustment screw 134 located to contact a distal end of the shaft and128 a to vary mechanical compression applied to the seal member 128 bythe lever 130 in the closed position. The cover 123 is secured by twoscrews 123 a (FIG. 4) through two screw holes 123 b (FIG. 6).

It is expected that the valve component 120 will be rated for a maximumoperating pressure of 250 psi, in which case it would be tested by atesting laboratory for many hours at that pressure or slightly higherwithout leakage for approval. It is suggested that for testing duringmanufacture, the valve component 120 need only to sustain a pressuretwice as great as the rated pressure without leakage for a short periodof time (e.g. seconds). With an approximately three-quarter inchdiameter inlet 125, a 250 lbs force Belleville washer in the seal member128, and 500 psi water pressure (twice the expected rated maximumoperating pressure) on the seal member, the total load on the lever 130would be approximately 460 lbs. By proper dimensioning and locating ofthe lever 130 and the latch 132, in particular, locating the contactpoint between the lever 130 and the latch 132 along or at least near atransverse center line across the latch pivot 132 a to eliminate orminimize any moment on the latch 132, a force of only 20 lbs fromcompression spring 142 will maintain the latch 132 engaged with thelever 130 and thus will keep the valve component 120 closed. There is notension on the flexible cable 54 when the valve 120 is closed; and, in aworst case, tripping the valve at 500 psi requires only about 100 lbsforce for the cable 54 to pull. Thermally responsive elements such as 68are rated to sustain force loads of up to 200 lbs, so that the provisionof a 1000 lbs force spring for the bias member 66 is achievable.

Operation of the valve component 20 or 120 by means of the thermaltrigger assembly 10 is straight forward. The valve component 20, 120 isinstalled in the configuration of FIG. 3A or FIG. 5, respectively. Whenthe thermally sensitive element 68 is heated to a predeterminedthermodynamic condition to break, the movable member 64 is released. Thebias member 66 is selected to generate a force overcoming the bias ofthe bias member 42 and pivot the latch 32 or 132 out of engagement withthe tang 30 a of lever 30 or lever 132. The pressure of water at theinlet 25, 125 forces the seal member 28, 128 and the lever 30, 130 backaway from the inlet 25, 125 and into the central chamber 40, 140,permitting water to flow around past the lever 30, 130 and the latch 32,132 and through the outlet 27, 127.

FIG. 7 depicts how a thermal trigger assembly 10 might be installed witha valve like 120 with a drop tube 70 and sprinkler head 80. Here thefire protection system component 16 is a valve component 120 and isthreaded into a Tee 76 that is installed along a branch or main wetsupply line 78 above a thermal barrier which may be a ceiling C or aseparate barrier 98 (in phantom) that keeps the valve component 120 fromfreezing. In this installation, the flexible connector 50 is freelyself-supported between the valve component 20 and the activationcomponent 60, but the flexible connector 50 could be wound looselyaround the drop tube 70 to take up any excess length of the connector50.

The sprinkler head 80 can be any conventional, testing laboratoryapproved, automatic sprinkler head. It has a body 82 with arms 84supporting a deflector 86 and, optionally, a second thermally responsiveelement 88 itself supporting a conventional plug seal 89 in the outletof the head 80. Without thermally responsive element 88 and plug 89,sprinkler 80 is an “open” sprinkler. If the sprinkler is installed in anarea subject to freezing temperatures, it must be installed open so asnot to trap any water in it or the drop that might freeze. In this way,virtually any open wet sprinkler can be installed as a dry sprinklerdevice using a preaction valve assembly 20 or 120, 50, 60 of the presentinvention.

The activation component 60 can be configured to be held in operatingposition in various ways. In FIG. 7, a bracket 90 has opposing, firstand second ends 92 and 94 that can be clamped around the drop tube 70and spacer portion 62 a of housing 62, respectively. Although a singlefastener 96 (e.g. nut and bolt) is shown clamping two bracket halvestogether, separate clamps could be provided at either end to permit morevariability in the diameter of the drop tube 70 on which it is used.Other possible alternatives (not depicted) where the sprinkler head ordrop is passed through a ceiling C are to clamp the housing 62 to theceiling with an escutcheon plate and backer on opposite sides of theceiling or through a modified recessed pendent sprinkler can that isitself fixed in the ceiling. These exemplary mountings should not beconsidered limiting.

The thermal trigger assembly of the invention controls water flow to atleast one water distribution device, which may take the form of anautomatic fire sprinkler 80 with a thermally responsive element 88 andplug 89, or an open fire sprinkler lacking a thermally responsiveelement and plug. A significant advantage of this invention applies to aconventional automatic sprinkler that has been certified by a testinglaboratory. A certified automatic sprinkler, when installed open,without a thermally responsive element or plug in the sprinkler itself,and in combination with a preaction valve assembly formed by a thermaltrigger assembly 10 and valve 20, 120, can become a certified equivalentof a dry sprinkler. Normally, any new dry sprinkler must pass a completeUL199, FM2000, or other certification program, which includes tests suchas distribution, corrosion, and a long litany of other tests, possiblyincluding very expensive fire tests. The benefit of the preaction valveassembly formed by thermal trigger assembly 10 with a valve 20, 120 isthat it can be assembled together with any laboratory-certified opensprinkler. Only a minimum number of certification tests of thepreviously approved automatic sprinkler in combination with thepreaction valve assembly should be required for approval of the assemblyas a dry sprinkler device.

Since the thermal trigger assembly controls water flow through a valvecomponent rather than an open sprinkler head, a valve component of thepresent invention can be used to fluidly connect to and control waterflow in more than one fire sprinkler. For example, in FIG. 8, a valvecomponent 120 (or 20) is connected to a water supply line 78 on a Tee 76and its outlet end 26 is connected to piping in the form of a drymanifold 72 that, in turn, supports at least two wet, open, pendentsprinkler heads 80, 80′ from dry drop tubes 70, 70′. More sprinklerscould be connected to the valve component 120 (or 20) by biggermanifolds with more drop tubes. Of course, the valve component 120 or 20would have to be sized to service the number of sprinkler heads which itsupplies.

In FIG. 9, a valve body 122′ of a valve component 120′ of the presentinvention is configured to be responsive to multiple activationcomponents 60 (not depicted). A lever 130′, a latch 132′, and a biasmember 142′ remain essentially the same as those of valve component 120.An activation manifold 1010 has a housing 1020 that attaches, or isattached to, or is even formed as part of the valve body 122′. A headportion 1024 of a plunger 1022 is slidably located within the housing1020. An end of a shaft 1026 portion of the plunger 1022 distal to thehead 1024 is connected with the latch 132′ for activation of the valvecomponent 120′. A bias member 1028 generating a force greater than thatgenerated by the bias member 142′ is provided in the housing 1022 tobias the plunger 1022 away from the valve body 122′. The plunger 1022 isrestrained by a plurality of spacer blocks 1030 a, 1030 b, 1030 c, etc.within the housing 1020. Each spacer block 1030 is opposite a port 1040in the housing 1020 which is configured to receive a first end 1050 a,1050 a′ of a separate flexible connector 1050, 1050′, each connector1050, 1050′ being connected with a separate activation mechanism (notdepicted) like 60 or an equivalent. A first end 1054 a, 1054 a′ of aflexible cable 1054, 1054′ of each connector 1050, 1050′ is engaged witha separate one of the spacer blocks 1030 a, 1030 b, . . . . A biasmember 1042 may be provided around each cable 1054, 1054′ to assure thatthe related spacer 1030 a, 1030 b, remains in position in contact withthe plunger 1022 and/or the adjoining spacers 1030 or an end of thehousing 1020 (not depicted) distal to the valve body 122′. The biasmember 66 of each activation component 60 is sufficiently strong toovercome the related bias member 1042, if provided, and any frictionalforce holding the spacer block 1030 in place. The triggering of anyactivation component 60 connected through one of the flexible connectors1050, 1050′ with one of the spacer blocks 1030 will pull that spacerblock (down in the figure) out of engagement with at least an adjoiningspacer block 1030 permitting the bias member 1028 to move the plunger1024 away from the valve body 122′ thereby triggering the valvecomponent 120′. The described devices mechanically couple the first ends1054 a, 1054 a′ of the flexible cables 1054, 1054′ with the latch 132′.

FIG. 10 depicts part of an installation of a fire protection sprinklersystem in a location such as a computer center or laboratory, where thecontents at the location would be severely damaged or compromised by therelease of water, but fire protection is still required. Two valvecomponents according to the invention, e.g. 120, 120′, are installedback to back such that the outlet end 126 of the first valve component120 is connected to the inlet end 124′ of the second component 120′. Theinlet end 124 of the first valve component 120 is in fluid communicationwith the sprinkler system water supply through a Tee 176 and a main orbranch line 178. The outlet end 126′ of the second valve component 120′is connected piping, namely, a Tee 174 of a manifold 172 in fluidcommunication with the drop tube(s) 170, 170′ extending to one or morewater sprinkler(s) 180, 180′ which are thereby operably and fluidlyconnected with the paired valve components 120, 120′. Each valvecomponent 120, 120′ has and is operably connected with its ownactivation component 160, 160′ (the same as or similar to activationcomponent 60). The activation components 160, 160′ are to be installedat locations sufficiently apart from one another that the accidentaltriggering of one is not likely to involve the accidental triggering ofthe other. Both activation components 160, 160′ would have to betriggered to open each of the two valve components 120, 120′ to permitwater to flow from the supply line 178 through the paired valvecomponents 120, 120′ to the drop line(s) 170 and connected sprinkler(s)180. In this instance, if the sprinkler(s) 180 have their own thermallyresponsive elements, triple protection against inadvertent water releaseis provided: water flow through a particular sprinkler 180 requiresactivation of each of the two valve components 120, 120′ by the twoactivation components 160, 160′, as well as activation of the sprinkler180 and/or 180′. Double protection that is commonly provided by otherthird-party components and arrangements would be provided with the twovalve components 120, 120′ being fluidly connected with opensprinklers—that is, lacking plugs and thermally responsive elements). Ifused with a sprinkler having its own thermally responsive element, astandard system with a single valve component 20, as depicted in FIG. 7,provides two layers of protection against unnecessary triggering—onelevel from the valve component 20 and one level from using a sprinkler80 with its own plug 89 and thermally responsive element 88. The pipingsuch as 70, 72 (FIG. 8) and 170, 172 (FIG. 10) is illustrative only. Itshould be appreciated that the installer can assemble the piping in anyway necessary or desired so as to wrap around or extend through anyobstructions that may lie between the valve and the desired location ofthe sprinkler or water distribution device connected with the valve.

FIG. 11 depicts a slightly modified activation component 960 that isagain connected through a flexible connector 50 to a valve componentsuch as 20 or 120. The flexible connector 50 preferably has a flexibleouter cable housing 52 slidably supporting a flexible cable 54. Anactivation component 960 includes a base 962 that includes an upper,spacer portion 62 a identical to that of component 60, from whichextends a sensing portion 962 b. The second end of the outer cablehousing 52 b is again received in the transverse distal/upper end 961 ofa spacer portion 962 a. The second end 54 b of the flexible cable 54 isconnected with a movable member 964 slidably mounted with respect to thesensing portion 962 b of the housing 62 on a pair of rods 63. A biasmember 66, which as depicted is a compressed coil spring, biases themovable member 964 holding the second end 54 b of the cable 54 away fromthe spacer portion 962 a. In preactivation position of the device, themovable member 964 is restrained by the thermally sensitive member 68.

To that combination is added a micro switch 969 that changes state withoperation of the activation component 960. The switch 969 has a mainbody 969 a, a movable actuation button 969 b and leads 969 c. The body969 a of switch 969 is supported from the spacer portion 62 a by meansof a bracket 965. Triggering of the activation component 960 by breakageof the thermally responsive element 68 allows the spring 66 to force themovable member 964 towards the lower end plate 61 releasing the button969 b to allow the switch 969 to change states. Two leads 969 c areprovided for electrical connection to the switch 969 for control ofelectrical equipment such as alarms or electronic controllers (notdepicted). Thus the activation component 960 for use in a thermaltrigger assembly includes a switch 969 mounted on the activationcomponent so as to change states with movement of the movable member964.

The switch 969 and bracket 965 may be supplied as an accessory to abasic activation component 960 that differs from original activationcomponent 60 by the modified movable member 964. Still otherarrangements will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. It willbe appreciated that the switch 969 should be mounted as depicted or insome other way so as to be removable to test its operation withouttriggering the activation component 960.

FIGS. 12 and 13 depict yet another embodiment of a valve component 920.The valve component 920 again includes a body 922 with an inlet end 924and an inlet 925 externally threaded to be received in a Tee in a wetsupply line (neither depicted) and, in this embodiment, first and secondoutlet ends 926 a and 926 b having first and second outlets 927 a and927 b, respectively. The outlets 927 a, 927 b are fluidly connected withthe inlet 925 by the passageway 929. Each outlet end 926 a, 926 b is notthreaded in this embodiment to enable the valve component 920 to be usedwith plastic pipe drop tubes fabricated by the installer. However, eachoutlet end 926 a, 926 b could be internally threaded to receive anexternally threaded length of metal drop tube, again fabricated on siteby the installer.

In the valve component 920, a cover 123 (as show in FIGS. 4-6) againcloses the opening through the sidewall of the body 922. The internalcomponents of the valve member 920 are the same as those of valve member120, with the same seal member 128 supported by the same subassembly 148(see FIG. 6), including a lever 130, and a latch 132 supported in thesame way on the inside of the cover 123 with a bias member/compressedcoil spring 142 mounted so as to bias the latch 132 into releasableengagement with the lever 130. The latch 132 pivots around a latch pivot132 a, which is a pinned connection. Similarly, the lever 130 pivotsaround a latch pivot 130 b, which is also a pinned connection.

The latch 132 of the valve component 920 is again connected with anactivation assembly (not depicted) like previously identified 60, 160 or960 via a flexible connector (not depicted) like previously identified150. The principal difference between this valve component 920 and thevalve component 120 is the provision of two opposing outlets 927 a, 927b oriented essentially perpendicularly to the inlet 925 and seal member128 instead of having a single outlet in line with the inlet 125 and theseal member 128. The lever 130 includes the adjustment screw 134 locatedto contact a distal end of the shaft and 128 a to vary mechanicalcompression applied to the seal member 128 by the lever 130 in theclosed position.

FIG. 14 depicts a dry sprinkler device embodiment 1100 of the presentinvention using a thermal trigger assembly 1110 with slightly modifiedembodiments of a valve component 1120, a flexible connector 1150, and anactivation component 1160. The valve component 1120 and proximal end ofthe flexible connector 1150 are shown in cross section in FIGS. 15-16.The valve component 1120 includes the same body 122 with an inlet end124 having an inlet 125, which is externally threaded so as to bereceived in a tee fitting or in another type of fitting connection froma water supply line. An outlet end 126 has an outlet 127, which isinternally threaded to receive an externally threaded length of pipe 70(fabricated by an installer), which receives a conventional, opensprinkler 80. A seal member 128 is again supported in the inlet 125 by alever 130 retained in a “closed” or “supporting” position by a latch132. The latch 132 pivots around a latch pivot 132 a, which is a pinnedconnection. Similarly, the lever 130 pivots around a latch pivot 130 b,which is also a pinned connection. An internal subassembly 148 slidablysupports a shaft portion 128 a of the seal assembly 128 and pivotallysupports the lever 130 and latch 132. The subassembly 148 is againsecured to a cover 1123, which is again removable from the remainder ofthe body 122. In addition to the subassembly 148, in this embodiment, acrank assembly 1190 is secured to the body 122 with the cover 1123 usingthe same removable fasteners 1199 used to secure the cover 1123 to thebody 122. The crank assembly 1190 includes a bracket 1191 physicallysecured to the cover 1123 that pivotally supports a crank 1192. Theassembly 1190 including the crank 1192 mechanically couples the firstend 1154 a of the flexible cable 1154 to the latch 132. One forked arm1193 of the crank 1192 receives one end 1174 b of a link 1174, whichextends through an opening 1172 in the cover 1123. An opposing end 1174a of the link 1174 is secured with the latch 132. A bias member 142 inthe form of a compressed coil spring is located between the cover 1123and the latch 132 to maintain the latch 132 engaged with the lever 130.The lever 130 again includes an adjustment screw 134 located to contacta distal end of the shaft and 128 a to vary mechanical compressionapplied to the seal member 128 by the lever 130 in the closed position.

The latch 132 is operatively mechanically connected with the activationcomponent 1160 through the flexible connector 1150, the crank assembly1190, the crank 1192, and the link 1174. The crank 1192 has anotherforked arm 1194 offset approximately 90° from the arm 1193. Again, theflexible connector 1150 is an assembly having a flexible outer cablehousing 1152 slidably supporting a flexible inner cable 1154. A firstend 1152 a of the outer cable housing 1152 is preferably fixedlyconnected with the valve body 122 through the bracket 1191 by threadedmembers 1196, 1197 on the first end 1152 a of the cable housing 1152. Afirst end 1154 a of the flexible cable 1154 is received in the arm 1194to operably mechanically connect with the latch 132 through the crank1192 and the link 1174. Opening of the valve component 1120 from aclosed configuration or state is illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16.

The thermal activation component 1160 has the features of component 160except the movable member and the bias member are now contained in abody/housing 1162. A conventional sprinkler 1167 without a deflector butwith a thermally responsive element 1168 is threaded into the end ofbody/housing 1162 and its plug (not depicted) is used to restrain themovable member until the thermally responsive element 1168 fractures.

FIG. 17 depicts another embodiment of a mechanism 1290 for connectingtwo flexible connectors 1150, 1250 to a valve component 1120. In thisembodiment, a bracket assembly 1290 has a frame 1291 supporting a crank1292, which has three arms 1293, 1294 and 1295. The crank 1292 isconnected to a link 1174 by arm 1293. The arms 1294 and 1295 areparallel to one another and again offset 90° from first arm 1293. Thethird arm connects with an end 1250 a of a second flexible connector1250 connected to a second thermal activation unit (not depicted butlike 1160 or 160). In this embodiment, each flexible connector 1150 and1250 is connected with the bracket 1291 with a single threaded member1296, which can be adjusted along the first end 1152 a, 1252 a of theouter cable housing 1152, 1252 of either flexible member 1150, 1250.Each member 1296 has slots on its opposing lateral side which slide intoand engage portions of the frame 1291 forming mating slots. A spring arm1298 retains each member 1296 in its slot. Again, the first end 1154 a,1254 a of each flexible cable 1154, 1254 of each flexible connector1150, 1250 is engaged with a respective arm 1294, 1295 of the crank 1292so as to be in mechanical operative connection with the latch 132through the crank 1292. Movement by either cable 1154, 1254 pullsdownward on the connected arm 1294, 1295 of the crank 1292, which pullsthe link 1174 away from the body 1122 of the valve component 1120, thustriggering the valve component is the manner described immediatelyabove.

FIGS. 18A and 18B depict another embodiment of a valve component 520connected with a sprinkler 580. The valve component 520 again includes abody 522 with an inlet end 124 having an inlet 125 externally threadedto be received in a Tee 76 in a wet supply line, and outlet end 126having an outlet 127 and internally threaded to receive an externallythreaded length of drop tube 70, again fabricated on site by theinstaller. A modified cover 523 closes the opening through the sidewallof the body 522. The internal components of the valve member 520 are thesame as valve member 120 with the exception of a modified latch member532 and a bias member 542 mounted to the inside of the modified cover523 so as to bias the a latch 532 into releasable engagement with thelever 130. The latch 532 is connected with an activation component 560depicted in FIG. 18B via a flexible connector which, in this embodiment,is a single flexible wire 554. The first end 554 a of the flexible wire554 is connected with the lever 532 at opening 532 b. The remainder ofthe wire 554 is extended through the drop tube 70 to activationcomponent 560.

Referring to FIG. 18B, the activation component 560 is provided in aspecial fitting 590 for installation of a water distribution device 580,which might be a conventional pendent sprinkler (sprinkler without athermally responsive element and plug) as depicted, or a nozzle or otherwater distribution device. The fitting 590 has a fluid inlet 592internally threaded to receive the discharge end of the drop tube 70fabricated and installed in the field. The fitting 590 has an internallythreaded fluid outlet port 594 receiving the a standard waterdistribution device 580 in the same way as a normal fitting connectingan externally threaded sprinkler inlet with an externally threadeddischarge end of the drop tube 70. A separate chamber 596 of the fitting590 forms a body housing the parts of activation component 560. Theremaining end 554 b of the flexible wire connector 554 extends into theinlet 592 and through a small opening or wire guide hole 595 into theseparate chamber 596, the guide hole 595 being located along the edge ofthe flow path between the inlet 592 and outlet 594. A bias member 566biases a wire securement member 562 outward with respect to the chamber596. The wire securement member 562 is restrained in the chamber 596 bya less common but conventional thermally responsive element 568. A pairof arms 567 restrain the securement member 562 to hold the bias member566 in compression and are themselves held apart by the thermallyresponsive element 568, which is formed by a pair of overlapped platepieces 569 a, 569 b held together by a solder connection therebetween.When the element 568 is heated sufficiently to soften the solderconnection, the compressed spring 566 forces the arms 567 out of thechamber 596, causing the plate pieces 569 a, 569 b to separate andrelease the wire securement member 562. The wire securement member 562has a body 563 with a conical “inlet” end 563 a and a central bore 564a, through which the installer passes a second end 554 b of the flexibleconnector wire 554. A plurality of teeth 564 b are positioned within oraround or otherwise define the bore 564 a and are oriented so as to gripthe second end 554 b of wire 554 as it is passed from the inlet end 592through the opening 595 and through the bore 564 a to prevent itsretraction back toward the inlet end 592 of the fitting 590.Alternatively, a plug member bearing the teeth 564 b and a spring mightbe provided in a sprinkler head installed in a single outlet port of thefitting, whereby the flexible connector extends between the valvecomponent and the sprinkler head/activation component entirely withinthe drop tube.

Although a rigid drop 70 is depicted, it will be appreciated that aflexible tube might be used between the valve 520 and the fitting 590 asthis embodiment allows for a final adjustment of the length of the wire554 after the valve 520 and fitting 590 are secured in their finallocation.

In use, the fire protection sprinkler system installer prepares the droptube 70 and then passes a free end 554 b of wire 554 through an inletend 70 a of the drop tube 70. The free end 554 b of wire 554 is thenpassed from the outlet end 70 b of the tube 70 and through the inlet 592of the fitting 590, through the small opening 595 into the chamber 596and through the bore 564 a of the wire securement element 562. The inletend 70 a of the drop tube 70 is secured with the outlet 127 of the valvebody 522, preferably before the wire end 554 b is secured in the fitting590 but valve component and drop tube 70 may be secured togetherafterwards. The fitting 590 is attached to the outlet end 70 b of thedrop tube 70 so that the fitting 590, the drop tube 70 and the valvecomponent 520 are fixedly connected together. The free end 554 b of thewire 554 is pulled through the bore 564 a until the wire is taut. Theexcess portion of the free end 554 b of the wire is then cut off by theinstaller to complete the preaction assembly. At any point in thisprocess, the water distribution component 580 is installed in the fluidoutlet 594 of the fitting 590 to complete the installation.

Preferably, the flexible connectors 14, 50, 150, 1050, 1150, 1250 areBowden cables. The outer cable housing 52,152, 1050, 1152, 1252 istypically formed by tightly spirally wound wire which prevents kinkingand protects the flexible inner cable 54, 154, 1054, 1154,1254.Typically, an internal lubricant or coating is provided between theouter cable housing 52, etc, and the flexible inner cable 54, etc.,which again prevents restriction between the outer housing 52, etc. andthe flexible inner cable 54, etc. Such cables can be manufactured tooperate at −65° F., well below any temperature to which the thermaltrigger assemblies 10, 110 would be exposed. Although a simple two-piececable 50, etc. with inner cable 54, etc. and spiral wound outer housing52, etc. is preferred, it will be appreciated that the flexibleconnector 14, 50, etc. might be provided as a metal wire or cable in apolymer tube, such as bicycle cables are constructed. If the latter, itis suggested and preferred that the metal wire/plastic tube connector beprovided in a protective coiled wire outer sleeve, again for protection.

In another aspect, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is amethod of providing a dry sprinkler device. The method includesconnecting an inlet of a valve to a branch water line. The method alsoincludes mechanically connecting an activation component with athermally responsive element to the valve with a Bowden cable so as toopen the valve in response to a loss of physical integrity of thethermally responsive element. The method also includes fluidlyconnecting a water distribution device to an outlet of the valve tospray water received from the valve.

In another aspect, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is amethod of installing a dry sprinkler device. The dry sprinkler deviceincludes a valve, an activation component with a thermally responsiveelement, and a flexible Bowden cable. The Bowden cable mechanicallycouples the activation component with the valve so as to open the valvein response to a loss of physical integrity of the thermally responsiveelement. The method includes fluidly coupling an inlet of the valve witha water supply line. The method also includes installing a waterdistribution device at a location spaced apart from the valve. Themethod also includes connecting the device with an outlet of the valvethrough intermediate piping. The method also includes installing theactivation component at a location spaced apart from the valve. Thevalve is operatively connected with the activation component through theBowden cable.

The ability to displace the activation component from the sprinkler heador other device being controlled permits the advantageous location ofthe activation component at an optimal location for fire identificationand response and placement of the connected sprinkler(s) at optimallocation(s) for water distribution and/or coverage.

Another possible use of the devices of the present invention is theprovision of fire protection in attics of wood construction and othercombustible concealed areas without or with obstructions.

Many embodiments of the invention offer a number of possible sprinkleroptions that were heretofore not available or unlikely to pass firetests for attic use. The activation component of the present inventivesystem can be located at the peak of a roof, or wherever is optimum forthe detection of heat from a fire most quickly for most rapidactivation, while the sprinkler head(s) connected with the activationcomponent through a valve component can be located wherever provides thebest protection or installation—at the peak, away from the peak and/oraway from the pitch—to obtain optimum water distribution and/or to belocated closer to any potential source of fire.

Embodiments of the present invention enable the installation of any andall types of conventional sprinkler heads (pendent and sidewall, as wellas upright and standard spray) in these locations, albeit in an openconfiguration without a plug or thermally responsive element. Theprovision of the present invention will further enable the developmentof other new concept spray distribution methods and sprinkler headssuitable for such application(s). Moreover, it is expected thatconventional automatic sprinkler heads will be installable according totheir maximum listed coverage areas (or at least greater thanone-hundred and thirty square feet if their normal, listed coverage areaexceeds one-hundred and thirty square feet) and without hydraulic demandpenalties currently imposed on conventional automatic sprinklers used inattics and other combustible concealed installations. The open sprinklerheads connected to a valve component of the present invention will alsobe able to be pitched from the vertical to enhance their throw patterns,if necessary or desirable. It also provides the opportunity to use evenless water than now required since embodiments of the invention provideoptimum placement of the activation component for activation, as well asoptimum placement of the spray sprinklers for fire protection becausethe functions are separated rather than being provided by a singledevice in the manner of a standard sprinkler.

These advantages will be available in sprinkler systems installed in yetother “problem areas.” So, the provision of the present inventionenables the installation of a dry attic sprinkler system while employingconventional automatic sprinkler heads that are open. The valvecomponent can be located in a heated or other non-water sensitive areaspaced away from a cold/water sensitive area where the activationcomponent and heads can be located. Alternatively, water can be providedto a preaction valve assembly of the invention located in a cold/watersensitive area by the provision of a dry valve located upstream in aheated/non-water sensitive area where the distance between theheated/non-water sensitive area and the activation component is greaterthan the length of the flexible connector of the preaction valveassembly.

Finally, the provision of sprinkler heads fed by a valve component ofthe present invention will permit the optimum location of the heads toattack a fire with a discharge of water sufficiently quickly andsufficiently close to the fire source to enable the passage oflaboratory fire tests with delivered water densities of less than 0.1GPM/sq.ft of coverage area that is currently the required minimum.

Another application would be the fire protection of a truck loading dockthat is under freezing conditions. The thermal trigger assembly of thepresent invention would replace a very expensive and complicated drysprinkler system by allowing the use of existing approved openconventional sprinklers installed in the freezing area and installingthe valve component in a heated area. This concept could possibly allowthe reduction of ordinary hazard water densities to be lowered to lighthazard requirements (over 50% less water) because of the speed andstrategic positioning allowed by the invention.

The thermal trigger assemblies and the dry sprinkler device variationsof the present invention offer numerous advantages over conventional drysprinklers.

All known dry sprinklers have to be sized for a particular installationto within a fraction of an inch in length. All known dry sprinklers arenot designed for length adjustment of any kind in the field or, at most,are designed for only the most minimal length adjustment in the field].Consequently, all have to be made to some measured length at a factoryand not in the field by the installer. In addition to the time mentionedearlier to custom fabricate each sprinkler at the factory and thepotential problem of measurement or fabrication length errors, thecustom sprinklers have to be shipped to the installer and may be damagedin transit.

The maximum length/height of commercially available dry sprinkler headsis four feet, which establishes the maximum distance from a wet, watersupply line. Thermal trigger assemblies of the present invention can besupplied with flexible connectors having a single given maximum lengthgreater than or equal to four feet or in different lengths, for examplein integer or two or three foot increments. Any of these options wouldrepresent significant savings and installation versatility compared tocustom length, conventional dry sprinklers.

Conventional automatic sprinkler heads—that it, sprinkler heads that aretesting laboratory approved and listed for NFPA 13—can be installed withthe subject thermal trigger assemblies and preaction valves of theinvention, in the field, at the same time the rest of the fire sprinklersystem is being installed. The installer simply cuts or assembles alength of pipe (i.e. the drop) on the job as he would with aconventional wet sprinkler system and attaches a conventional open orautomatic sprinkler head to the drop. The installer can finish thesystem installation with no delay or special procedures. Fire protectionis immediately available while the rest of the trades finishconstruction, whereas with conventional dry sprinkler systems therewould be no protection until after the specially ordered, conventionaldry sprinklers were installed, days and even weeks] after the supplypiping is installed.

Being able to install any conventional automatic sprinkler head into adry sprinkler device is itself a significant advantage. In addition tospecific lengths, installers of conventional dry sprinkler systems haveto specify other characteristics to order conventional dry sprinklers,including orientation (sidewall, upright or pendent and, if pendent,exposed, recessed or hidden), operating temperature, orifice size,finish and/or color. There are literally many hundreds if not thousandsof different conventional automatic sprinkler heads available from avariety of manufacturers that can be used, off the shelf, with valvecomponents of the present invention to satisfy the thousands ofpotential combinations of these characteristics. Since only the valvecomponents of the dry sprinkler devices of the present invention needapproval from the recognized testing laboratories, it will be possibleto install virtually any conventional automatic sprinkler head (open orplugged) with a valve component of the present invention, withoutlimitation, to provide a dry system.

While there are literally many hundreds if not thousands of possibledifferent characteristic combinations for fire sprinklers, and manymanufacturers willing to commercially supply those combinations inautomatic sprinkler heads, they will only supply no more than aboutone-tenth of those characteristic combinations in dry sprinklers becauseeach dry sprinkler must be tested independently by the approving labs asto operation, corrosion, and other performance characteristics. Witheach dry sprinkler costing more than $10,000 to be tested for approvalby one of the recognized testing laboratories, manufacturers limit thevarieties of dry sprinklers available because the market is not so bigas to justify those approval expenses for the full range of availablewet system sprinkler heads. Once approved, the preaction valve withthermal trigger assemblies of the present invention will instantly allowvirtually every laboratory approved conventional automatic sprinklerhead of every manufacture to be installed as a dry sprinkler device.This gives sprinkler system designers, building owners, and installers avirtually unlimited choice of sprinkler heads to use that will also saveinstallation costs.

Since the valve components of the present invention can be mechanicallytripped, they can be further be configured or accessorized to beseparately remotely tripped, automatically or on demand.

Thermal trigger assemblies of the present invention can be configured toautomatically trip at a temperature below, above, or equal to the ratedtemperature of the connected automatic (i.e. plugged) sprinkler head(s)by selection of the operating temperature of the thermally responsiveelement 68 of the activation component 60 to be lower or higher comparedto that 88 of the plugged sprinkler head 80. Thus, it is possible topreload a sprinkler head with water prior to activation, if desired, ordelay loading of the sprinkler head until after it has opened.

When used to provide a two-step activation, thermal trigger assembliesof the present invention also give superior protection against vandalismor accidental damage, false trips or faulty sprinklers, and waterdamage—a major concern of both insurance companies and building owners.If a sprinkler is damaged prior to normal activation—for example, a bulbor other thermally responsive element breaks or is accidentally broken,or is defective (i.e. permits leak)—no water will be released since the“independent” activation component 60 of the present invention would notbe triggered by damage to the sprinkler. Not only does this preventwater damage from unintended activation, it allows immediate fieldrepair without removing the system from protective service and withouthaving to wait for a factory manufactured replacement assembly. Thesystem can be fully repaired, in the field, like a conventional wetsystem. (Maintaining an active system during head repairs has beennotoriously very expensive, with sophisticated equipment required.)

If the thermal trigger assembly of a system with automatic (i.e.plugged) sprinkler heads is configured to open the valve componentbefore sprinkler activation, fire protection will be improved becausethere is no air to escape before the water flows from the sprinklerheads. The valve component will prefill the sprinkler heads beforeconditions reach the activation temperature of the sprinkler heads.

A preaction valve with thermal trigger assembly of the present inventionwill potentially allow plastic piping to be used as drops in areas thatwould have normally required dry sprinklers, provided that the valvecomponent can be located in an area protected from and/or otherwise notsubjected to freezing temperatures. This represents a tremendous savingsin installation time and costs, particularly in those residential andlight hazard systems otherwise amenable to plastic pipe installationthroughout. The assemblies can be configured by selection of thethermally responsive elements 68 to operate at a temperature above thatat which the thermally responsive elements 88 used in any automatic(i.e. plugged) sprinklers 80 activate to assure there will be no waterinside the drop or pressurization of the drop until the thermallyresponsive elements 68, 88 of both the activation component 60 and thesprinkler 80 have reached their respective activation temperatures.

If the activation component 60 trips from breakage of the responsiveelement 68 or its equivalent, but the automatic (i.e. plugged) sprinkler80 does not activate, the exposed portion of the activation component 60will provide a visual indication below the ceiling that the activationcomponent 60 has tripped and that water is in a potentially freezingarea. If the sprinkler 80 leaks, dripping of water will provide asecondary indication of caution that the drop pipe 70 is full of waterand should be serviced.

In addition to providing a very economical alternative to compressed gasand antifreeze “dry” sprinklers, thermal trigger assemblies of thepresent invention can further present the possibility of economical dryresidential sprinkler systems, with two-stage operation providing addedsecurity from damage for the property owner.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the embodiments described above without departing from the broadinventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that thisdisclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, butit is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

1. A combination for a fire protection system connected to a piping of abuilding, the combination comprising: a valve having a body, an inlet,an outlet, an open state, and a closed state; and a support assemblyconfigured to maintain the valve in the closed state; an activationcomponent including a base, a movable member movable with respect to thebase, a bias member providing a biasing force to the movable member tobias the movable member from a preactivation position to an activatedposition; a thermally responsive element providing a retaining force toretain the movable member in the preactivation position only until apredetermined thermodynamic condition is reached, the thermallyresponsive element being configured to lose structural integrity underthe predetermined thermodynamic condition, permitting the movable memberto move from the preactivation position to the activated position; aflexible member having a first end and an opposite second end, the firstend being operatively connected with the support assembly of the valve,and the second end being operatively connected with the movable memberof the activation component; a fluid conduit having an upstream endfluidly connected to the outlet of the valve, an interior portion, and adownstream end; and a downstream body including a fluid outlet portfluidly connected to the downstream portion of the fluid conduit, and achamber having a flexible-member opening, the chamber containing theactivation component; and a water distribution device fluidly connectedto the fluid outlet port; wherein, when the predetermined thermodynamiccondition is reached, the movable member moves from the preactivationposition to the activated position, and the movement of the movablemember causes a movement of the flexible member, and the flexible memberoperatively acts on the support assembly so that the valve changes fromthe closed state to the open state.
 2. The combination of claim 1,wherein the valve has an annular seal, and the support assemblycomprises a lever supporting the annular seal.
 3. The combination ofclaim 1, wherein the flexible member extends through the interiorportion of the fluid conduit.
 4. The combination of claim 1 wherein thethermally responsive element is one of an alcohol filled glass bulb anda fusible link.
 5. A combination for a fire protection system connectedto a piping of a building, the combination comprising: a valve having abody, an inlet, an outlet, an open state, and a closed state; and asupport assembly configured to maintain the valve in the closed state;an activation component including a base, a movable member movable withrespect to the base, a bias member providing a biasing force to themovable member to bias the movable member from a preactivation positionto an activated position; a thermally responsive element providing aretaining force to retain the movable member in the preactivationposition only until a predetermined thermodynamic condition is reached,the thermally responsive element being configured to lose structuralintegrity under the predetermined thermodynamic condition, permittingthe movable member to move from the preactivation position to theactivated position; a flexible member having a first end and an oppositesecond end, the first end being operatively connected with the supportassembly of the valve, and the second end being operatively connectedwith the movable member of the activation component; a fluid conduithaving an upstream end fluidly connected to the outlet of the valve, anda downstream end; and a fitting fluidly connected to the downstream endof the fluid conduit, the fitting having an inlet, a fluid outlet portfluidly connected to the inlet and forming a fluid path from the inletof the fitting to the outlet of the fitting, and a chamber having aflexible-member opening, the chamber containing the activationcomponent, and a water distribution device fluidly connected to thefluid outlet port of the fitting, wherein, when the predeterminedthermodynamic condition is reached, the movable member moves from thepreactivation position to the activated position, and the movement ofthe movable member causes a movement of the flexible member, and theflexible member operatively acts on the support assembly so that thevalve changes from the closed state to the open state.
 6. Thecombination of claim 5, wherein the valve has an annular seal, and thesupport assembly comprises a lever supporting the annular seal.
 7. Thecombination of claim 5, wherein the flexible member extends through theinterior portion of the fluid conduit.
 8. The combination of claim 5wherein the thermally responsive element is one of an alcohol filledglass bulb and a fusible link.
 9. A combination for a fire protectionsystem connected to a piping of a building, the combination comprising:a valve having a body, an open state, and a closed state; and a supportassembly configured to maintain the valve in the closed state; anactivation component including a base, a securement member movable withrespect to the base, a bias member providing a biasing force to thesecurement member urging the securement member from a preactivationposition to an activated position, a thermally responsive elementproviding a retaining force to retain the securement member in thepreactivation position only until a predetermined thermodynamiccondition is reached, the thermally responsive element being configuredto lose structural integrity under the predetermined thermodynamiccondition, a flexible member having a first end and an opposite secondend, the first end being operatively connected with the support assemblyof the valve, and the second end being operatively connected with thesecurement member; wherein the securement member engages the flexiblemember to allow the flexible member to move relative to the securementmember in a downstream direction with respect to the valve; and whereinthe securement member engages the flexible member to resist the flexiblemember moving relative to the securement member in an upstream directionwith respect to the valve, so that upon movement of the securementmember in the downstream direction, the securement member acts on theflexible member to transmit the movement of the securement member to theflexible member, and the flexible member acts on the support assembly sothat the valve changes from the closed state to the open state.
 10. Thecombination of claim 9, wherein the valve has an annular seal, and thesupport assembly comprises a lever supporting the annular seal.
 11. Thecombination of claim 9, wherein the flexible member extends through theinterior portion of the fluid conduit.
 12. The combination of claim 9wherein the thermally responsive element is one of an alcohol filledglass bulb and a fusible link.